In 1988, Phil Waldrep traveled to Springfield, Vermont to speak at Precision Valley Baptist Church. The then pastor, Aubrey Jones, made Phil aware of the statistical chance of a new pastor surviving his first two years as a pastor in New England which was, at the time, less than 50%.

In an effort to turn that number around Phil Waldrep Ministries started the Pastor’s Encouragement Retreat. Since its inception, that number has risen to 93% which is the national average.

The dress code for this retreat is business casual. There is no need to wear a suit or a tie.

We provide your lodging and meals for the duration of the event. You are responsible for your travel to and from the event. The hotel will likely ask you to put a credit card on file for incidentals.

The Pastor’s Encouragement Retreat keeps attendance below 120 people so that you can have one-on-one interaction with your peers throughout the event.

The Pastor’s Encouragement Retreat is not tied to any particular denomination. There will be pastors in attendance from multiple denominations and heart languages.

The Pastor’s Encouragement Retreat is funded 100% through donations from generous benefactors around the globe. Each Pastor is sponsored by multiple donors. You will be made aware of your sponsors at the end of the event and will be able to reach out to thank them should you feel led.

Each pastor and their spouse is placed in a prayer group of 3-5 other couples from New England. Prayer groups are led by couple from all over the country who have a heart for New England Church Growth and discipleship.